Attractions in Brownsville

Brownsville is the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley with a population of approximately 188,000. It covers nearly 150 square miles and has some 350 miles of paved streets. With an assessed valuation of more than $7.5 billion, the city has nearly quadrupled its wealth in the past 15 years. Brownsville is one of the southernmost cities in the United States; because of this, we benefit from a tropical environment. Our environment, history and proximity to Mexico have created a vibrant border culture! Our city is known for its solid Hispanic roots, seen in our music, food and celebrations!

Costumes of the Americas Museum
The Costumes of the Americas Museum features one of the largest collections of authentic North, Central, and South American indigenous clothing in the world. Each exhibit seeks to outline the vibrant images and patterns sewn into traditional designs that symbolize cultural or religious beliefs.
1004 E 6th St
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 525-7252

Gladys Porter Zoo
The Gladys Porter Zoo is a 31-acre zoological and botanical park situated just minutes away from downtown Brownsville. More than 375 animal and 225 plant species are housed within the zoo’s four areas of origin: Africa, Asia, Tropical America, and Indo-Australia. Outdoor exhibits such as the South American Free-flight Aviary, Macaw Canyon, and a Komodo dragon area provide much to see, while the Small World gives children the chance to touch and interact with domesticated animals.
500 East Ringgold Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 546-7187

Historic Brownsville Museum
Discover the long history of Brownsville, where the first battle of the Mexican-American War and the last battle of the Civil War occurred, at the Historic Brownsville Museum. The museum, housed within a spectacular Spanish-style building constructed as a Southern Pacific Railroad depot in 1928, displays various artifacts and photographs that outline the town’s history.
641 East Madison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 548-1313

Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge is a sprawling 97,000-acre area that features subtropical, temperate, coastal, and arid landscapes. The protected habitat is home or host to as many as 417 bird species, as well as the endangered ocelot and various other wildlife. Refuge visitors can explore the park on the various wildlife watching and nature trails or on a kayak or tram tour.
22688 Buena Vista Boulevard
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956) 748-3607

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is the site of the first battle of the Mexican-American War of 1846, a conflict that would shape the future of both countries. Today, the park highlights the history of the battle, and the war, in its visitor center and along the half-mile trail that leads to an overlook of the battlefield. Guided tours are available from December 1 until April 1, and the battlefield hosts historical reenactments on the first Saturday of the month from September through May.
7200 Paredes Line Road
Brownsville, TX 78526
(956) 541-2785

Sabal Palm Sanctuary
Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a 527-acre area that is one of the most uniquely biodiverse habitats in the United States. A great variety of flora and fauna thrive within the sanctuary, including bobcats, cottontail rabbits, and many endangered or high-priority birds. The sanctuary is open seven days per week and admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
8435 Sabal Palm Road
Brownsville, TX 78521
(956) 541-8034

Stillman House Museum
The historic Stillman House was built in 1850 by Henry Miller, owner of the Miller Hotel in downtown Brownsville. It was once home to Charles Stillman, the founder of Brownsville, and was a place where Porfirio Diaz, the seven-term president of Mexico, plotted to overthrow his predecessor. The home was owned for 100 years by the Trevino family before Charles Stillman’s ancestor, Chauncey, purchased it in 1958. Today, it’s part of a museum that has displays that tell a visual story of Brownsville’s evolution from frontier town to international hub of transportation.
1325 E Washington St
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 541-5560

World Birding Center at Resaca de la Palma State Park
Resaca de la Palma State Park’s 1,200 semitropical acres provide a sanctuary for as many as 277 native and migratory bird species. As such, it is one of the nine World Birding Center locations in the Rio Grande Valley. Numerous hiking, biking, and tram trails wind through the park and offer a chance to explore the area and spot some of the wildlife.
1000 New Carmen Avenue
Brownsville, TX 78521
(956) 350-2920